Heart Health: Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Heart disease can leave you feeling tired and weak, making it
difficult for you to do the activities you love. The good news is that there
are many steps you can take to prevent it. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle and
undergoing regular heart screenings can greatly lower your risk for developing
heart disease.

Heart Screening at Wake Forest

Heart disease can strike at any age. You may not notice the
symptoms at first because they develop gradually over time. This is why early
detection is so important. Undergoing regular heart screenings allows doctors
to diagnose any heart condition in its early stages.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Many different factors can contribute to your heart disease risk
including:

Lifestyle

Family history

Your age

Having other medical conditions, such as
diabetes

You can’t control some of these factors, like age and family
history. However, you can make healthy lifestyle changes and talk to your
doctor about heart screenings. The best way to know if you are at risk for
heart disease is to undergo a heart screening. If our heart team detects a
problem, we are ready to help.

Do you want to learn more about risk factors for heart disease and successfully maintaining heart health? Request an appointment with Wake Forest Baptist today.

Women’s Heart Health at Wake Forest

Women face the same risk for heart disease as men do. The effects
of pregnancy, menopause and certain congenital heart conditions can lead to
heart conditions that require specialized care.

Women also experience symptoms of heart disease differently than
men do. Women’s symptoms can be subtle and include:

Heartburn

Mild chest pain

Feeling tired

Discomfort in the back, jaw, arms or shoulder

Because some of these symptoms are nonspecific, women may mistake
them for other conditions. However, they may mask a potentially life-threatening
condition, so make an appointment with your doctor.

The Women’s Heart Health Program provides comprehensive screenings
and expert care for heart conditions that affect women. Learn more about women’s heart health at
Wake Forest.

Heart Health Resources

The more you know about the risk factors for heart
disease, the easier it is for you to take care of your heart. Learn more about
heart disease and how to keep your heart healthy:

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.